Easy Stewfort Collins, Colorado
A hearty, slow-baked beef stew with tender vegetables and savory tomato flavor, perfect for comforting dinners and suitable for family gatherings or weekend meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the cubed beef in a 3-quart casserole dish without browning.
- Sprinkle the beef with salt, basil leaves, and pepper.
- Top the beef with sliced celery, sliced carrots, and halved onions.
- Combine the condensed tomato soup with water to make a sauce.
- Pour the soup mixture over the meat and vegetables, ensuring all pieces are coated.
- Cover the casserole tightly and bake in a slow oven at 300°F for 3 hours.
- Add the peeled and cubed potatoes to the casserole and bake for an additional 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the beef before adding it to the casserole, though it is not necessary. You can substitute fresh herbs for dried ones if you have them on hand. If you're looking to lighten the dish, lean turkey can be used in place of beef. This stew can also be adapted with seasonal vegetables for a fresh twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Easy Stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. A side salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the stew. This dish pairs beautifully with Quickie Casserole With Hamburger for a comforting dinner spread. For a touch of garnish, consider fresh parsley or a sprinkle of cheese on top.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. If the stew thickens too much upon refrigeration, add a splash of water or broth when reheating to restore its consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Stewfort Collins, Colorado contains roughly 818 calories, with 19g protein, 113g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (151% of the Daily Value), potassium (67% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1358mg per serving (59% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen vegetables in this stew?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be a convenient substitute, just be sure to add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy. This adjustment will help maintain their texture while still allowing the flavors to meld.
How can I thicken the stew if it's too watery?
If your stew is too watery, you can thicken it by adding a slurry of cornstarch and cold water, stirring it in and letting it cook for a few minutes until it thickens. Alternatively, you can mash some of the potatoes in the stew to achieve a thicker consistency.
What can I serve alongside this stew?
This stew is hearty enough to stand alone, but it can be complemented with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. Crusty bread or dinner rolls also make great accompaniments for soaking up the flavorful broth.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).